Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni in Tehran on Saturday, as reported by Iranian state media. The visit comes as Islamabad continues its diplomatic efforts to help ease tensions surrounding the ongoing Iran-US conflict and disruptions related to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict erupted following joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28, which triggered Iranian retaliation and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas passes. Although a fragile ceasefire was announced on April 8, negotiations between Washington and Tehran have largely stalled after a first round of direct talks in Islamabad. Disputes over Iran's uranium enrichment program and regional security continue to hamper progress.
Discussions on Bilateral Relations
According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, the two interior ministers discussed bilateral relations, including joint measures to facilitate border trade, transit, and exchange of goods. Momeni expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their friendly and brotherly stance towards the Islamic Republic, noting that good relations between the two countries are rooted in their history.
IRNA described Naqvi's trip as an "unannounced visit" and did not mention the US-Iran conflict or Pakistan's mediation role. The Pakistani government has also been reticent about the purpose behind Naqvi's visit. An interior ministry source confirmed to Arab News on condition of anonymity that Naqvi had reached Iran but offered no further details.
Pakistan's Mediation Role
Naqvi had previously accompanied Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during a three-day visit to Tehran in April, when Islamabad intensified contacts with regional capitals in an effort to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States. Pakistan's foreign ministry stated last month that the country remains engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at lowering regional tensions, though it declined to disclose details of ongoing discussions. Foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi told reporters, "The clock on diplomacy has not stopped. The peace process is working."
Enhancing Bilateral Trade
Both countries have been working to enhance bilateral trade through border markets and barter mechanisms aimed at circumventing banking and currency restrictions. Sanctions and foreign exchange shortages remain key hurdles for Iran, making such alternative arrangements central to its trade strategy with Pakistan. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Pakistan in August last year, during which both countries signed agreements aimed at increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2028.
Regional Tensions Persist
Naqvi's latest visit comes a day after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in New Delhi that distrust of Washington remains the biggest obstacle in negotiations with the United States, while signaling openness to diplomatic support from countries in the region. Tensions in the Gulf remain elevated despite the ceasefire, with Iran maintaining restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz and the United States continuing its blockade of Iranian ports, contributing to volatility in global energy markets.
